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Zoning board grants variance for already‑built carport at 210 Schoolhouse Road
Summary
The Charlton Zoning Board granted a 5‑foot setback variance May 19 for a 12x24 carport at 210 Schoolhouse Road, citing lot shape, steep grades and wetlands as the applicant’s hardship.
The Town of Charlton Zoning Board of Appeals voted May 19 to grant a variance for a 12-by-24 carport already constructed at 210 Schoolhouse Road, allowing a reduced rear/front setback of approximately 5 feet from the required line.
Applicant Andrew Poria told the board he installed a ground‑sitting carport to provide sheltered storage and said site constraints — steep grades, the location of the septic system and wetlands behind the house — left him little alternative placement on the lot. “It’s a tough property,” the building/zoning enforcement officer noted after inspecting the site and finding the carport about 25 feet from the road where 30 feet is required.
The board discussed statutory hardship criteria for variances and concluded the lot’s triangular shape, slope and wetlands represented a hardship that justified relief for the existing structure. A motion to grant a 5‑foot variance for the carport, limited to the feature as built and shown on the submitted drawing, was seconded and approved.
The board noted the 20‑day appeal period begins when the decision is filed with the town clerk and explained that the applicant must record the variance with the registry as part of completing the process.
